Vermilion Co. community holds 9/11 memorial service to honor past, present first responders

WESTVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — It was an emotional night in Westville as community members gathered to honor those who died 23 years ago today for a 9/11 memorial event.

The event was held at St. Mary’s Church in town. Organizers from the Vermilion County Republican Women’s Club said it allowed the community to pay their respects to the fallen heroes of the past — and appreciate the heroes of the present.

Central IL community honors lives lost in 9/11 attacks, 23 years later

“We’re just here to honor our first responders and the military and to remember 9/11,” said the club’s president Robyn Heffern.

Heffern said they wanted to honor the promise to never forget.

“I just think that sometimes we forget what we went through that day,” she said. “And I think an event like this just brings it all back to us. And we just want people to remember how we felt that day.”

The event also had some keynote speakers, including Vermilion County Coroner Jane McFadden and 104th State District Representative Brandun Schweizer, who shared his experience with service and loss.

“Just continue talking about what happened that day. And, you know, if you have family members or friends that lost, you know, just sharing their stories so we can keep it alive,” Schweizer said.

The event also showed appreciation for current first responders.

“They’re just putting themselves out there to try to keep all of us safe. And so it’s important that we recognize them and we continue to tell them thank you for everything they do for us and keeping us safe,” Schweizer added.

Last year’s event was held in Danville — and this year’s in Westville. Organizers say they want next year’s to see yet another stop in Vermilion County.

“We just want to make sure that they know how much we appreciate them and that we never forget 9/11,” Heffern added.

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